Hornsby Bend

06/12/2026

(224/250) The common whitetail is a widespread dragonfly found near waters across much of the U.S. Males have chalky white abdomens and broad black wings. Females are patterned in brown and gold with subtle wing markings.

Watch for these stocky dragonflies hunting mosquitoes, flies and other small insects midair while patrolling territories near water.

Photo: Peter Pearsall/USFWS

06/10/2026

Meet Our Bird of the Week: The Reddish Egret

The Reddish Egret puts on a great show! It is one of the most fun birds to watch, as it hunts for fish in shallow tidal pools. It hops, pivots, flaps and darts through the water trying to catch fish, and its movements often look like a crazy dance. Most of the other egrets hold very still, and wait for prey to come to them. The Reddish Egret usually chases down their prey. Try to imagine the difficulty and skill required to catch a fast-swimming fish with your mouth!

Learn more about the Reddish Egret here. https://travisaudubon.org/murmurations/bird-of-the-week-reddish-egret

06/10/2026

The July issue of Birding features a fascinating deep dive by Rick Wright into the genus Quiscalus: the grackles. From the tangled taxonomy of Common Grackles to the extinction of the Slender-billed Grackle and even the mysterious origins of the name Quiscalus, it's a masterful blend of natural history, culture, language, and birding. Join the ABA today to receive this issue and discover why these familiar birds are far more interesting than you might think.

“Purple” Common Grackle, by Michael Stubblefield

ABA.org/membership

06/09/2026

💥Urgent Need💥

We are needing towels, blankets and newspaper! With the number of animals we are cleaning and feeding each day, we are completely out of large towels, soft fleece blankets and newspaper. 🗞️

If you are in the process of cleaning things out and have large bath/ beach towels, blankets or clean newspaper, we would love to have them!

You may drop off any donations at either location between the hours of 9-4 or you can visit our Amazon wishlist! Our feathered, furred and scaled babies thank you! 🦝❤️

📦Amazon Wishlist ⬇️
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2Z0UUL7E8HCE2?redirectFromSmile=1&ref_=wl_share

Our Intake Center address is:
811 E. 13th St.
Austin, TX 78702

Our rehab center address is:
111 Elbow Bend
Elgin, TX 78621

06/09/2026

In past years, blue-green algae killed several pet dogs and caused the closure of popular swimming spots in Austin. https://www.kut.org/austin/2026-06-09/toxic-blue-green-algae-austin-lady-bird-dogs-cyanobacteria

06/07/2026

06/05/2026

Did You Know?

Despite their wide range and once-familiar presence, Common Nighthawks (this week’s bird of the week) are quietly declining. Changes in land use, reduced insect populations, and urban threats have all taken a toll. Still, on warm evenings, their aerial dances continue—a reminder that even in the space between day and night, life is in motion.

Building bird-friendly communities is essential to protecting the many species that call Travis County their home. Find out what you can do here. https://travisaudubon.org/what-you-can-do

06/05/2026

Our hero!

Volunteer Spotlight: John Bloomfield

For nearly three years, John Bloomfield, Travis Audubon President, has helped guide Travis Audubon through a period of extraordinary growth. As he prepares to step down from the presidency, John leaves behind not only a stronger organization, but a lasting legacy of leadership, conservation, and community.

Read the full spotlight here. https://travisaudubon.org/murmurations/june-volunteer-spotlight-draft

06/04/2026

Which birds should you watch for in June?
Here’s the Central Texas bird forecast for the month, courtesy of Travis Audubon.

Every year it’s always a surprise when the faucet of migrating warblers and other birds pouring through central Texas turns off. One day they are here, and then…crickets.
But there are birds out there, including two bright blue songbirds that may help lessen your warbler withdrawal symptoms and early summer doldrums. We have colorful Blue Jays and Eastern Bluebirds year-round, but for a June challenge search out less common Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings.

To read the full June Bird Forecast, click here. https://travisaudubon.org/murmurations/bird-forecast-june